IMPACT OF FOREST RIGHTS ACT 2006 ON TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

ABSTRACT Millions of individuals reside within or near forest areas without official recognition of their rights to homes, lands, or livelihoods. The Forest Rights Act (herein referred to as ‘FRA’) of 2006 was enacted to address these issues, granting recognition to forest dwellers and imposing greater accountability in conservation efforts. As of the 2011 census, the tribal population in India stood at 104.3 million, comprising 8.6% of the total population, which was 8.2% in 2001. Over the years, a significant number of forest-related cases involving tribal people were reported, primarily concerning illegal activities such as cutting down trees for domestic use and the transportation of wood by bullock carts under the Indian Forest Act of 1927. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 represents a crucial opportunity to enhance the economic, social, and political security of tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers. This paper seeks to examine the current status of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in India, particularly focusing on the challenges encountered during its implementation and its impact on the sustainable livelihood of tribes and forest dwellers. It underscores the significance and legitimacy of the FRA, 2006, highlighting its potential to uplift marginalized tribal communities. However, it also emphasizes that despite well-crafted policies, effective implementation remains a significant hurdle. Strengthening the rights of forest dwellers, enhancing conservation accountability, and promoting transparency are identified as essential steps towards fully realizing the Act's potential benefits. Keywords- Forest, Illegal Activities, Forest Dwellers, Tribal Communities, India etc.